Super Duper® Handy Handouts!®
Number 182
Three Tiers of Vocabulary and Education
by Thaashida L. Hutton, M.S., CCC-SLP
Vocabulary consists of the words we understand when we hear or
read them (receptive vocabulary) and words we speak or write (expressive
vocabulary). We build vocabulary by picking up words that we read or hear
and through direct instruction from teachers or other professionals. Knowing
a variety of words is important for language development and reading
comprehension. A limited vocabulary is usually a “red flag,” indicating a
possible language learning disability and reduced literacy skills.
Most children begin first grade with about 6,000 words of spoken
vocabulary. They will learn 3,000 more words per year through third grade.
However, not all words have equal importance in language instruction. So,
how do we know which words we need to teach? We consider three types of vocabulary words—three
tiers of vocabulary—for teaching and assessing word knowledge. A word’s frequency of use, complexity,
and meaning determines into which tier it will fall. Those with mature vocabularies and age-appropriate
literacy skills understand and use words from all three tiers. This handout discusses the three tiers of
vocabulary, Tier 1—Basic Vocabulary, Tier 2—High Frequency/Multiple Meaning, and Tier 3—Subject
Related.
Tier 1—Basic Vocabulary
Tier one consists of the most basic words. These words rarely require direct instruction and
typically do not have multiple meanings. Sight words, nouns, verbs, adjectives, and early reading words
occur at this level. Examples of tier one words are: book, girl, sad, run, dog, and orange. There about
8,000 word families in English included in tier one.
Tier 2—High Frequency/Multiple Meaning Vocabulary
Tier two consists of high frequency words that occur across a variety of domains. That is, these
words occur often in mature language situations such as adult conversations and literature, and therefore
strongly influence speaking and reading. Following is a list of standards for tier two words:

Important for reading comprehension
•
Characteristic of mature language users

Contain multiple meanings
•
Increased descriptive vocabulary (words that

Used across a variety of environments
(generalization)
allow students to describe concepts in
a detailed manner)
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Tier two words are the most important words for direct instruction
because they are good indicators of a student’s progress through school.
Examples of tier two words are: masterpiece, fortunate, industrious,
measure, and benevolent. There are about 7,000 word families in English
(or 700 per year) in tier two.
Tier 3—Low-Frequency, Context-Specific Vocabulary
Tier three consists of low-frequency words that occur in specific domains. Domains
include subjects in school, hobbies, occupations, geographic regions, technology, weather, etc.
We usually learn these words when a specific need arises, such as learning amino acid during a
chemistry lesson. Examples of tier three words are: economics, isotope, asphalt, Revolutionary
War, and, crepe. The remaining 400,000 words in English fall in this tier.
It important to remember that tier two and three words are not all clear-cut in their tier
classification. There is more than one way to select the words. Word knowledge is subject to
personal experience.
Students with Limited Vocabulary
Students may struggle to increase vocabulary because of poor memory skills, difficulty
using word learning strategies, or lack of instruction. This may be a result of a language and/or
learning disability, or poor instruction. Under these situations, schools can administer a response
to intervention program (RtI). RtI will then determine if the student requires additional instruction
or special education services. Contact your school district to find out its current response to
intervention program.
Resources
Beck, Isabel L., McKeown, Margaret G., and Kucan, Linda. (2002). Bringing words to life. New York, NY: The Guilford Press
Montgomery, Judy K. (2008). MAVA-Montgomery assessment of vocabulary acquisition. Greenville, South Carolina: Super Duper
Publications, Inc.
Montgomery, Judy K. (2007). Vocabulary Intervention for RTI: Tiers 1, 2, 3 Retrieved October 28, 2008, http://74.125.45.104/
search?q=cache:VjfiwE6PJYEJ:convention.asha.org/2007/
handouts/1137_1757Montgomery_Judy_106716_Nov05_2007_Time_122121AM.ppt+three+tiers+of+vocabulary&hl=en&ct=clnk&
cd=6&gl=us
3 Tier vocabulary words. Retrieved October 28, 2008 http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/cbl/images/CBL_Documents/3tiervocab.pdf
© 2008 Super Duper® Publications • www.superduperinc.com
Super Duper® Handy Handouts!®
Number 182
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© 2008 Super Duper® Publications • www.superduperinc.com